Rack for bottles or glasses



izz, 1942. A. L. HENKI EL HAL 2 305,965

RACK FOR BOTTLES OR GLASSES Filed June 24, 1940 i 'l' E 5| 5 I, ni knl'g' Iglll"; gm 1 Q- Q 1' ENTOR: CZndreu/li BY Eur/@JIZEQ/i Patented Dec. 22, 1942 U I I STATE RACK FOR BOTTLES 0R GLASSES Andrew L. Henkel and Burke M. Ewing, Muske- Collender Company, of Delaware Mich., assignors to The Brunswick-Balke- Chicago, 111., a corporation Application June 24, 1940, Serial No. 342,070

1 Claim.

This invention relates to a receptacle in the nature of a rack for holding bottles or glasses in upright position, as, for example, when such bottles or glasses contain beverages which are being consumed at intervals in the course of a game, or by spectators at a sports event.

One object of the invention is to provide a sturdy and convenient rack for supporting lasses or bottles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a glass or bottle rack of simple design adapted to be easily cleaned and having no angular pockets or comers in which dirt or refuse might accumulate.

A further object is to provide cushioning means in connection with a rack for glasses or bottles to minimize the liability of breakage when the receptacles are inserted in the rack.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a rack for the purpose indicated which can be easily and economically constructed and mounted, and which may be produced with pleasing outlines and attractive surface finish, easily varied for harmonizing with surrounding equipment.

And, more specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a glass or bottle rack consisting essentially of a horizontally disposed member with an opening-extending through it, dimensioned to embrace a glass or bottle, and with a cushioned stop member disposed in vertical registration with the opening, but spaced below it so that the stop is out of contact with any part of the member adjacent the opening, so as to eliminate corners and angles in which dirt might accumulate, and to facilitate cleansing of the surfaces of the device.

It may be understood that the form of the invention shown in the drawing, and described herein, is by way of preferred illustration only, and that various modifications and. alternative constructions may be employed within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claim.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rack embodying this invention, installed on the end panel of a seat or bench.

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the same, looking directly at the end panel.

Figure 3 is a top plan view showing only a fragmentary portion of the bench with which the rack is associated.

Figure 4 is a detail section on a larger scale, taken as indicated at line 44 on Figure 3.

A rack embodying the features of this invention is adapted for use in a wide variety of situations,

but it has been found especially convenient as a piece of accessory equipment for bowling alleys, inasmuch as bowlers frequently enjoy indulging in cooling or refreshing beverages in the intervals of play. If a seat or bench is provided in conjunction with the alley to accommodate the players when not actively engaged in bowling, the end panel of such a seat, as indicated at A, may conveniently support the rack for glasses or bottles containing such beverages.

The rack itself consists of an oblong block, preferably of wood, which may be either integral or of laminated construction, and approximately one and one-half to two inches in thickness. As shown, the block I is formed with longitudinally extending slots 2, 2 which are disposed in alignment, leaving a portion of the material between their adjacent ends at 3 so as to avoid unduly weakening the block. Each slot has side walls of sinuous outline, with oppositely disposed concave portions 4, so that the slot consists of alternating wide and narrow portions providing individual, spaced pockets. As shown, each of the slots 2 provides three such pockets, and each pocket is dimensioned to receive a drinking glass or tumbler of average size, or a small bottle, such as those in which soft drinks and other beverages are commonly sold.

To support the bottoms of the bottles or glasses a rod or bar 5 extends below the block I, spaced away from the bottom of the block but in vertical registration with the slots 2, 2. Each of the end portions 6 of the bar 5 is upturned and secured in the block I by any suitable means, such as the cross-pin shown at I in Figure 4. Preferably the bar 5 is covered with a reasonably thick cushion of rubber tubing 8 which will contact the bottoms of glasses or bottles inserted in the rack and prevent breakage if they are carelessly dropped in place.

As shown, the bar 5 and its covering 8 are of cylindrical form; thus the upper surface on which the glasses rest is convex, tending to drain readily and thus prevent accumulation of liquid on the bar. The fact that the slots 2 are open at the bottom, having only vertical Walls without horizontal flanges or shoulders, prevents accumulation of dirt, refuse or liquid in the slots of the block I itself, and the :bar 5 is purposely spaced below the bottom of the block so that it does not cooperate therewith to form corners or ledges on which either dust or liquid might lodge. The pockets for the glasses or bottles are preferably made as elongated slots, rather than as individual holes in the block I. This makes each slot large enough to permit inserting the hand therein with a damp cloth for cleaning the walls of the slot; and the spacing of the rod 5 below the block allows it to be similarly cleansed in a convenient and rapid manner.

We claim as our invention:

A glass or bottle rack comprising a relatively thick, horizontally extending unitary block formed with a vertically open slot having a'continuous,

sinuous outline with oppositely disposed concave 10 portions forming individual, spaced pockets each dimensioned to receive a glass or bottle, and a rail with upwardly bent ends secured in said block beyond the ends of the slot respectively and extending downwardly therefrom, the intermediate portion of the rail being unobstructed and being supported at a substantial distance below the under surface of the block.

ANDREW L. HENKEL.

BURKE M. EWING. 

